Building Resilience and Sustainability in Livestock Farmers
A BLPA Project
In January 2023, BLPA received funding from the GEF/UNDP Small Grants Programme for the implementation of a project titled “Building Resilience and Sustainability in Livestock Farmers.” The project’s primary objective was to promote livestock intensification by encouraging the adoption of climate-smart production practices and green technologies. These initiatives aimed to enhance the resilience and productivity of the livestock industry while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The training activities were conducted using the Farmer Field School (FFS) method. Farmer Field Schools were established in the Cayo District, Stann Creek District, and Toledo District, with each school receiving three sessions. Topics covered during these sessions are pasture management, Voisin concepts, pasture evaluation, development of farm plans, layout of fence lines, animal nutrition, silage and multi-nutritional blocks.
A breeding program was established to enhance herd genetics. Four Brangus breed bulls were imported, and a bull service program was designed and implemented to allow participating farmers from the Farmer Field School (FFS) to take advantage in improving their herd genetics. This initiative aims not only to enhance productivity but also to increase income earnings. Two bulls are located in the Toledo District, one bull was previously in Orange Walk District and is now in the Belize District where each spend an average of 60 days on each farm. Lastly, the fourth bull is at the BLPA model farm, providing services to 35 heifers.
